We don’t have to abide by the rules

On 20 August 2015 Matias Lacava from Venezuela and Fode Fofana from the Netherlands were banned from FC Barcelona’s academy, La Masia. The two youngsters were playing in FC Barcelona in breach of Article 19 of “FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players” (see box, ed.). Despite FC Barcelona on 30 December 2014 being given a period of 90 days to regularize the situation of all minor players in the club by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS, FC Barcelona has apparently not been following the order.

The incident with Lacava and Fofana caused panic in the Catalan club. 236 days after CAS dismissed FC Barcelona’s transfer ban appeal and confirmed that the club had breached the rules regarding protection of minors the club apparently wants to address the issue of minors in line with FIFA’s regulations. FC Barcelona won’t speak to Sport Executive but on the club’s website the following statement was published on 20 August 2015:
“FC Barcelona wishes to announce that as a preventative measure, it shall not be renewing the licenses of some of the players in the club’s academy. This is to avoid any interpretation that there has been any breach for FIFA regulations.”
And it continues:
“FC Barcelona, in coordination with FIFA, is immersed in a process of legalizing the situation of the players connected with the enquiry that led to the sanction.”
Or in other words: FC Barcelona will obey the laws of FIFA and the verdict of CAS 146 days to late …
Sport Executive would have liked to have discussed this situation with FIFA – but the federation hasn’t got the time (see box, ed.). But according to Sport Executive’s sources the La Masia spectacle has caused panic in FC Barcelona and FIFA. Another case with players in breach of “Rules on Minors” could mean that FC Barcelona faces the possibility of a new transfer ban – and on the other hand it will further lower FIFA’s tormented brand.

We know nothing

Sport Executive would have also liked to have talked about that mess with FIFA.
But we were met with “we will revert back to you asap”. We desired likewise to be informed about the situation in other Spanish clubs. In January 2015 FIFA confirmed to Sport Executive that the football federation was investigating several Spanish clubs for trading minors.

“FIFA is currently gathering all the relevant information and documentation in order to be in a position to properly assess the matter. No formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened at this stage. No further information can be provided for the time-being,” a spokesperson for FIFA, who prefers to be anonymous, said to Sport Executive back then.
Eight months later nothing has happened…

THE QUESTIONS TO FIFA

THE QUESTIONS TO FIFA

In August 2015 FIFA banned Matias Lacava, Venezuela, and Fode Fofana, Netherlands, from playing for FC Barcelona! How come FIFA had to wait until August 2015 to register those 2 players – playing in breach of ‘FIFA’s Rules on Minors’?

Is it now certain that FC Barcelona is not fielding any players playing in breach of ‘FIFA’s Rules on Minors’?

According to FC Barcelona’s website the club tells: “FC Barcelona wishes to announce that as a preventative measure, it shall not be renewing the licences of some of the players in the club’s academy. This is to avoid any interpretation that there has been any breach of FIFA regulations. FC Barcelona, in coordination with FIFA, is immersed in a process of legalising the situation of the players connected with the enquiry that led to the sanction.” Can you tell me what this coordination between FIFA and FC Barcelona is about – in real terms?

Can you tell me how many players are now banned in FC Barcelona?

In January FIFA launched an inquiry in some other Spanish clubs in breach of ‘FIFA’s Rules on Minors’. Now it is September – how is this inquiry moving forward – and when are FIFA going to make a decision in this matter?

It’s well known by all in international football that Real Madrid is buying players in breach of ‘FIFA’s Rules on Minors’ and have been doing it for years. Why aren’t FIFA sanctioning Real Madrid – after 8 months of inquiry?

FIFA’S ANSWERS:

Good afternoon Lars, We have received your email and will revert back to you asap.